"8 Million Strong and Voting!" Small business is the heart beat of the United States economy. This blog searches for issues and answers to helping small business survive and thrive in California and the United States.

Friday, May 23, 2014

I just found out yesterday that in the Governor's May revise of the budget, the SBDCs were given $2 million. It will be from the general fund so that means the SBA will match this amount.

We are watching closely to make sure this money does not get shifted to a special fund jeopardizing the match. Hats off to Barbara Vohryzek, the Small Business Advocate and Panorea Avdis in the Governor’s office for making this happen.

Small Business California has been working for a while to get additional funding for California SBDCs. Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

As you all know Small Business California has put forth a crowd funding bill that will help small businesses and start-up businesses obtain equity capital. Yesterday, the Assembly passed our bill 75 to 0.

We had no nay votes previously in Banking and Financing and Appropriations. See below from our government affairs manager.

"It now goes to the Senate where it will be harder because AARP will be coming out opposed."

We are however very optimistic. Thank you to all that sent support letters.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

It is expected that a Patient Protection measure called the Troy and Alana Patient Safety Act of 2014 will be on the ballot in November. This will do a number of things like random drug and alcohol testing of doctors with privileges in hospitals. It also will test after adverse situations to a patient. It will also raise the cap on non-economic damages from $250,000 to a little over $1 million. The current limit of $250,000 was signed into law in 1975 and has not been increase. The new cap is adjusted for inflation.

This measure is being brought forth by Consumer Attorneys and is opposed by the California Medical Association. There are other pro and con supporters but I will not go into detail about. The argument made in favor of this is that about 10% of doctors have substance abuse problems. They point out that Medical Malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the country trailing Heart disease and cancer. They also argue that the $250,000 cap has not been raised for almost 40 years.

The CMA argues that this will drastically increase health cost and that the drug testing has been included so they can have something that resonates with voters but their real interest is to increase the malpractice cap. They also argue that the testing after an adverse situation will not hold up in court because I believe it has to be done three days after and the doctor may not necessarily be on duty.

This is going to be a highly contested issue and millions of dollars will be spent by both sides. What do you think?

The average cost per patient was $332 and the average cost per patient visit was $85

There were 12178 individuals who volunteered - 6811 medical and 5567 non medical.

There were 348 paid staff

75% of participating clinics are in states that did not expand Medicare.

Remember we take no government moneyGo-Biz is doing a webinar on May 22 to discuss online business lending. It will be from 12PM to 1PM. See information below.

GO-Biz's Small Business Unit to Host Webinar on Online Business Loans

Small business loans from online lenders have become an increasingly popular option for some businesses. Some say that they are quicker and more flexible to process than loans from brick and mortar lenders. Have you wondered if this financing option would work for your business?

If so, please join our webinar on May 22nd. GO-Biz will invite two experts to discuss online business lending in the U.S. The presentation will describe online loan amounts and loan terms, as well as the online loan application process. This very informative webinar will provide small business owners with an introduction to this new business loan arena. Register now - space is limited!

Thursday, May 22nd - 12:00 PM to 1 PM (PDT)Registration information and additional details on the webinar are available here.

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Equity capital for start-ups and growing small businesses has always been a problem. With the passage of the JOBS Act this was made easier but there are still some problems. While the final regulations have not been written, we know that general solicitation and adequate investor protections will not be in the final regulations.

To solve this problem Small Business California is sponsoring AB 2096. It allows general solicitation and many investor protections like a cap of $5000 for non-accredited investors, attorney fees for successful plaintiffs, and additional disclosure requirements.AB 2096 passed the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee on an 11 to 0 vote. It is going to the Assembly Appropriations Committee today and it is on consent calendar. We have over 20 small business associations around the state supporting this measure. This bill will fill a real need for small businesses to raise up to $1 million in equity capital.For more information go to www.leginfo.ca.gov

Monday, May 05, 2014

On Thursday and Friday I will be speaking at a Health, Healthcare and Economic Development Conference. I will be talking from the small business perspective. For those of you that provide health insurance to your employees what has been your experience since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act?

Have you looked at Covered California and the Small Business Health Option Plan?

Have you dropped your health insurance and had your employees get the subsidies in Covered California?

Do you think you will be dropping health insurance in the future?

Have you placed your insurance outside Covered California?

Did you take an early renewal?

Has your premium gone up? How much?

Did you use a certified Covered California agent to place coverage?

Did your agent recommend not using Covered California?

Have you had problems with the doctor Networks. This can be both inside and outside Covered California.

About Me

Small Business California is a proactive, non-partisan business advocate whose only agenda is the well being of California’s 3.2 million small businesses. Working for all small businesses for a better business environment, SB-Cal is responsive to the needs of small business owners.
Section 6033(e) Notice and Disclaimer:
Small Business California engages in lobbying activities on behalf of its members. Approximately 35% of your dues contribution goes to support these lobbying activities, and, we believe, is not deductible as a business expense under Section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please consult your own accountant or tax attorney.